Chargers vs. Broncos predictions: Who experts are picking to win AFC West showdown

A look at who experts are predicting will win the Week 3 contest between the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

It has been a long time since the Los Angeles Chargers started a season with a 3-0 record, but that's something they have an opportunity to do in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos.

The last time the Chargers started out 3-0 was in 2002, when the team was still in San Diego and Drew Brees was handing the ball off to LaDainian Tomlinson.

The Chargers actually started out 4-0 that season and had a 6-1 mark after seven games.

However, that season didn't end how you'd expect for such a start, as the Chargers ultimately went 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

With a win over the Broncos on Sunday, the Chargers would also be 3-0 in the AFC West after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders over the first two weeks. That would put them in a great position to win the division later in the season.

With this crucial AFC West showdown right around the corner, let's take a look at who experts think will win the game.

MMQB

• Clare Brennan: Chargers

• Mitch Goldich: Chargers

• Gilberto Manzano: Chargers

• Conor Orr: Chargers

• John Pluym: Chargers

• Matt Verderame: Chargers

ESPN

• Stephania Bell: Chargers

• Matt Bowen: Broncos

• Mike Clay: Chargers

• Jeremy Fowler: Chargers

• Dan Graziano: Chargers

• Kalyn Kahler: Chargers

• Pamela Maldonado: Chargers

• Eric Moody: Chargers

• Jason Reid: Chargers

• Lindsey Thiry: Chargers

• Seth Wickersham: Chargers

CBS Sports

• Pete Prisco: Chargers

• Cody Benjamin: Chargers

• Jared Dubin: Chargers

• Ryan Wilson: Chargers

• John Breech: Chargers

• Tyler Sullivan: Chargers

• Dave Richard: Chargers

• Jamey Eisenberg: Chargers

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Chargers 23, Broncos 20

Iyer: "The Los Angeles Chargers will take advantage of the Broncos' sudden major defensive issues against the run to set up Justin Herbert for another clutch game to outduel a struggling Bo Nix. Jim Harbaugh scores another big win against a top coaching counterpart in the division to make L.A. the new team to beat in the AFC West."

Number of experts picking Chargers: 25

Number of experts picking Broncos: 1

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers clearly made a big mistake by cutting Joey Bosa

Chargers' Ladd McConkey surprise addition to injury report before Week 3 vs. Broncos

Jim Harbaugh's injury update for Chargers' Khalil Mack differs from initial reporting